Trib HSSN Boys Basketball Team of the Week: Chartiers Valley Colts

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, February 4, 2019 | 8:03 PM

The Trib HSSN Team of the Week pulled off a big win last week and is in second place in Section 2-5A — the Chartiers Valley Colts.

Chartiers Valley boys basketball and the postseason went hand-in-hand for decades.

Tim McConnell led the Colts into the playoffs in each of his first 24 seasons as head coach with six WPIAL championships.

However, the team finished 8-14 last year and missed the playoffs for the first time in a quarter-century.

McConnell then switched from boys’ coach to girls’ coach at Chartiers Valley and the-once model boys’ program in the district had questions.

Enter Brandon Sensor as new coach, and many of those questions have resulted in a positive answer for Colts fans this season.

Two more wins last week improved Chartiers Valley to 15-3 overall as the Colts ride a seven-game winning streak into the final week of the regular season.

“I think it is a multitude of things that have contributed to us competing well of late,” Sensor said. “I think with any team, as a coaching staff, you have to be patient and find what they are best at, and the players have to get comfortable and learn about each other, and in some cases learn a new system.

“If I had to pin it on one thing I would say that it’s the group of guys we have and their character and ability to buy in to the concept of team. Also our defense has been getting as the season has gone on and we are sharing the ball better on offense.”

The week began with a 77-48 win at home against West Mifflin. Three Colts scored in double figures with Joe Pipilo scoring 25, Brayden Reynolds 17 and Jared Goldstrom 15.

Then, on Friday, it was a trip to Moon and a big showdown with the first-place and undefeated Tigers.

“It’s always big to compete and play well against a great team like Moon,” Sensor said. “A game like that prepares you for playoff basketball. Win or lose that game, we get a lot better from playing it.”

Four quarters decided no winner as both teams were deadlocked at 53-53. Both the Colts and Tigers only scored two points in the first overtime to send the game to a second OT.

Chartiers Valley outscored Moon, 14-11, en route to a mammoth 69-66 win. Sensor liked the mettle of his team in a playoff-like atmosphere.

“We ended up doing enough to win that game, and I’m very happy for the guys because I know it means a lot to them, but they also know that it is just what I said, an opportunity to get better and prepare for our ultimate goal and to compete in the playoffs.“

The same trio of Colts led the way again on the scoresheet in the Moon victory as both Pipilo and Goldstrom scored 19, and Reynolds added 15 points.

The turnaround for Chartiers Valley under a first-year coach has been impressive. Sensor claims the ride to this point has been amazing.

“I have had a blast with these guys and our coaches this year. I think we have a great culture within our program, and it’s about more than just basketball. The guys truly care about each other. When you care about your teammates and your coaches and your school, and community, you’re willing to push yourself harder than you realize you can be push.

The victory over Moon put the Colts on a list of legitimate contenders for the Class 5A title, along with 2018 district champion Penn Hills, Mars and others.

“I think that is all flattering to be in those talks, and obviously every team wants to be talked about in that regard,” Sensor said, “but 5A is very competitive. There’s a lot of very good teams and very good coaches.

“We’re more focused on ourselves and becoming a better team every day. But we still have some tough and meaningful games to finish out this season that we’re looking forward to.”

Don Rebel is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Don at drebel@tribweb.com or via Twitter @TheDonRebel.

Tags: Chartiers Valley